We
have just heard the preview of the trial of Jesus Christ, the most unjust and
shameful trial ever happened in human history. The Jews accused Jesus Christ of
many things, but they could not present any evidence against him; the Pharisses
and scribes condemned Christ to death purely on the basis of their envy;
Pilate, representative of justice, unjustly sentenced Christ to crucifixion,
though he knew for sure that Jesus Christ was totally innocent: “I
did not find this man doing anything wrong at all!”, at the same time,
under pressure of the crowd, he released Barrabas, a notorious criminal simply
to please the fanatic people; And
the crowd who shouted “Let him be crucified. Let him be crucified!”
proved to be a people of infidelity and ingratitude to Jesus Christ, who had
fed them a few weeks earlier. To condemn the innocent who should be released
and to set free criminals who deserve punishment is a naked distortion of
justice.
But
through this tragedy we see emerge the infinite love of God toward humanity,
the utmost patience of Christ in face of men’s offenses and humiliations and
the divine mercy in contrast to human hatred and antagonism. Thus, Jesus Christ
did what he had taught earlier: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute
you.” And on the cross, Christ
prayed to God, the Father: "Father, please forgive them their sins,
for they do not know what they are doing!” Indeed, this is the climax of divine clemency
and compassion.
My
dear brothers and sisters,
It
seems that the more men sin against God, the more God shows his mercy to them;
the more they offend Him, the more He forgives them. Perhaps we have
experienced this paradox, one way or another, in our own life, everytime we
commit sin and go to confession. During this Holy Week, we will have more time
to reflect on the mercy of God and how to respond to his mercy.
Fr. Joseph Nguyen, O.P.
